Loss

Loss.  It comes into all our lives on little feet, sometimes sneaking up on us and other times charging in like a tornado.  Either way, the result is the same.  Our lives are changed, torn up, upset and rearranged, never to be quite the same again. 

I lost my favorite uncle on Saturday.  We knew the end was coming soon, and were amazed that he held on as long as he did.  He was married to my mother's youngest sister and had been in my life all my life.  Never was there a time when he was not part of me.  Now, I'll miss his laughter and his hi-jinks.  One more pillar of stability and security that has gone, leaving the family with the necessity of standing on our own just a bit more, without the reassuring knowledge that there was someone to help us when needed.  I miss you, Uncle Earl. 

Blogland lost one of its stars yesterday.  Leontien Van de Laar lost here courageous battle with melanoma and is now in a better place, healed of that scourge.  I never met her in person, but her spirit and determination were inspirations to me.  They still are.  A member of my cyber family is missing and it is as real as though she lived next door. 

FLOWERS FOR LEONTIEN 

There may be folks who cannot understand the connections we form here in blogland.   That's their loss, I believe.  My day would not be complete without checking in with my friends here and letting them be part of my life. 

I wish you all peace and happiness in this new year. 

Y'all take care.